The Trump administration has announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court's president and a senior lawyer, marking the latest move in its campaign to pressure the court and its member states.

The United States has sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, according to an announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Trump administration contends that the court has overstepped its authority by investigating cases where the relevant government has not agreed to ICC jurisdiction. Rubio characterized the institution as "a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court" that has exceeded its mandate and assaulted state sovereignty.

The ICC responded by defending its staff and stating that such sanctions undermine the rule of law and international justice mechanisms. The court, established in 2002 and comprising over 120 member countries, is mandated to investigate genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The latest sanctions bring the total number of ICC officials targeted by the US government to at least 13, including judges and the chief prosecutor, with measures including asset freezes and travel bans.

The sanctions reflect ongoing US objections to ICC investigations involving American personnel in Afghanistan and warrants issued against Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu related to the Gaza conflict. Netanyahu has rejected allegations of war crimes and criticized the court as biased. Neither the US nor Israel holds membership in the ICC, though Palestine joined in 2015, enabling the court to examine alleged crimes in Palestinian territories.

Rubio has called on the ICC's member states to withdraw from the organization as part of a broader US campaign to dismantle it "brick by brick." Trump's opposition to the court extends from his first term, when he declared it a threat with no legitimate authority over American interests. Officials have indicated the US will monitor which countries respond to its withdrawal appeal.